Sweater up: Cosby is coming

Just about anyone who grew up watching “The Cosby Show” secretly wished their dad was more like Bill Cosby.

Cosby was the archetypal ’80s/’90s TV dad: funny but poignant, strict yet understanding and hard-working but, somehow, always around. He spoke kindly of his gorgeous, strong wife and treated her with respect during a time when a lot of American wives and mothers were still trying to find respect in both the workplace and their own homes.

Thirty years ago, “The Cosby Show” gave American audiences something else their TV was lacking: diversity.

Even in 2014, a glut of new shows debut every season with a white-washed cast of tired characters. When “The Cosby Show” hit airwaves in 1984, every kind of American viewer, regardless or race, found something to relate to, and it became a classic American sitcom.

Cosby himself became an American icon, advocating — through sitcoms and stand-up — the importance of things like family, education and good old-fashioned common sense. Everyone related to something Cosby said, whether stone-faced or in jest.

Southeast Texans obvious relate to the Cos — when the Lutcher Theater announced that Cosby’s “Far from Finished” tour was stopping in Orange, tickets sold out in 24 hours. When they added a second date, those tickets sold out, too.

“It sold out remarkably fast,” said Jim Clark, managing director of the Lutcher. “He’s in the top three as far as sell-outs. Now we’ve got a waiting list of about 100 people.”

The only show he can remember selling so quickly in recent years is Willie Nelson, Clark said.

The Lutcher usually stays pretty quiet in the summertime, but Cosby is a tough guy to say no to.

A Philadelphia native, Cosby is one of the classic American dream stories, particularly during a time when the American dream was still an attainable reality for anybody with a strong work ethic. His stand-up gave way to an acting career that led to sitcoms, book deals and colleges begging him to show up at their commencement ceremonies to just, well, be Cosby.

Now 77, he has embraced social media and his life-long love of stand-up — and he’s back on the road on a tour that’s selling fast, with Orange one of the few cities that gets two dates.

Just before his Lutcher dates, he plays Treasure Island in Las Vegas. Straight from Vegas to Orange — that outghta give the Cos a little material to work with.

Bet you didn’t know Cosby said this
Cosby has been around — and cracking jokes — since the ’60s, so it only makes sense that he’s got some material we’re unfamiliar with. Here are five things Cosby said — in stand-up and on social media — that caught us off-guard:

“I said to a guy, ‘Tell me, what is it about cocaine that makes it so wonderful,’ and he said, ‘Because it intensifies your personality.’ I said, ‘Yes, but what if you’re an —hole?’”
Somehow we just feel better knowing that Bill Cosby says —hole.

“Here’s a wonderful exercise for you. When the feeling of depression captures you, get out the bag of happiness and capture it. It works.”
Oh, Cosby. That’s so cute and weird. Can we see what’s in your bag of happiness? Is it sweaters?

“A great day burns negative energy and lightens one’s being.”
Namaste, Cos. We can’t wait for your first yoga DVD, “Bill Cosby’s Unsupported Shoulder Stand.” Do you think he’ll lead a guided meditation at the Lutcher? Don’t get our hopes up.

“It’s more blessed to give than to receive — especially kittens.”
We just wanted an excuse to google “Bill Cosby + kittens.” (There are no photos of Bill Cosby with kittens. We checked.)

“The main goal of the future is to stop violence. The world is addicted to it.”
Hypothetical question: If you were the Middle East, who would you rather listen to? John Kerry, a rich white guy in a suit, or Bill Cosby, a friendly sweater-wearing elder with puddin’ pops?